From Arsenal to the Ball God

”As for the goalkeeper position, Szczeny is actually a bit unstable, more suited as the second keeper for top teams. I hope to recruit France’s national keeper Hugo Lloris.”

Philip nodded slightly, and started laughing, ”If they both can come, then the Red and White Fleet is truly forming, and we will have every opportunity to establish a Red and White dynasty.”

Wenger lifted his chin to gaze at the sky, without responding, and no one knew what he was really thinking.

He quickly turned around, and calmly sat back down in the coaching seat, waiting for the match to begin.

This time, his body language was traceable; it was not to dream too far but to take bold steps forward step by step!

.....

On the pitch, Ma’el led Arsenal’s players onto the field, bathed in the admiration and curious gazes from all around.

The admiration mostly came from Arsenal fans, while the curiosity was from Manchester City players.

Even though they had faced each other last season, a few months have passed, and in the minds of Manchester City players, he must be a different player now, arriving with more brilliance and glory.

Honestly, Ma’el was happy to see this, as it further clarified for him what achievements he had attained in the past month.

Nasri was also in Manchester City’s lineup, having been through the European Cup, his relations with Ma’el and others were not as stiff, which also somewhat improved his relations with Arsenal fans.

However, when he donned Manchester City’s jersey to step on this field again, complex emotions inevitably surged within him.

He wished he were wearing Cazorla’s jersey, standing in Arsenal’s lineup.

”Beep beep!”

After completing the side-selection ceremony, Ma’el and Arsenal players came in front of the coaching bench, squatting in a row and tip-toeing for the pre-match team photo, which was their first new team photo of the season.

”Don’t overdo it, Ma’el, you’re tiptoeing almost half a head taller than Szczeny.”

”Don’t tiptoe.”

”Hahaha.....!” The players joked and laughed, their mood was still relaxed, with confidence in winning today.

After settling in their own half, Ma’el gathered everyone in the middle for a final team motivation circle.

Wearing the captain’s armband, he naturally placed his hand in the center first, looking around as he spoke: ”Today’s starting lineup has three new faces, two of whom I’m collaborating with for the first time.

”But I hope regardless, we can continue last season’s relentless momentum, giving everything to pursue victory.

”Because compared to the bitterness of defeat and the confusion of a draw, I hope we’re able to enjoy the joy of victory each time; that will not tire us out, only excite us more towards the end goal!

”Arsenal!!”

”Let’s go.....!!”

Everyone placed their hands on Ma’el’s hand, pressed down to the ground, and shouted a unified cry before scattering in a quick sprint to their positions.

Simply from observing their return speed, outsiders could feel the team arriving with such a desire to win.

”Beep!” The match immediately commenced as the whistle sounded, Manchester City kicked off with a center circle ball, while Arsenal players moved forward for determined high pressing.

Mancini’s team today set up a 3-4-2-1 formation, which would cause a lack of width in their back and front lines, leaving them unable to utilize space effectively.

Their midfield seemed populous and wide, but actually unable to connect front and back well, easily getting blocked and becoming four static figures.

When Arsenal obstructed their triangle passing lanes from the back to midfield on both flanks, Manchester City players had to opt for riskier central passes.

”Bang bang bang.....!”

Sometimes, they managed the ball to reach Aguero and Balotelli’s feet, and other times, the ball was directly intercepted by Arteta or Cazorla, with Ma’el quickly registering an interception stat as well.

And now, Arsenal not only possessed more offensive routines, becoming sharper and pushing Manchester City’s defensive line to struggle tremendously.

In defense, they also didn’t need to delay retreating defense every time, waiting for the midfield to drop back to reduce threats.

”Bang!”

Thiago Silva often managed to intercept the opponent’s attack with excellent anticipation and challenges, quickly passing the ball to midfield or directly to the forwards using superb footwork.

”Clap clap clap.....!”

His outstanding performance in the early stages soon aroused the emotions of Arsenal fans and empowered Arsenal’s defensive players with more confidence and aggressiveness in each challenge.

”Bang!” Even though this proactive and aggressive play sometimes led them out of position, allowing Manchester City’s small-scale cooperation to break through.

Yet, every tense backward glance saw Thiago Silva appearing behind them, covering their area and kicking the ball out of danger with a sure-footed clearance.

”Bang!”

After another backup clearance, Thiago Silva stylishly ruffled his curls and gestured with a big hand signal towards his displaced teammates to calm down, ”It’s okay, I’ve got this!”

”Looking awesome!” Sagna secretly gave him a thumbs-up, thinking defenders should be like this.

Thus, once again in defensive scenarios, the momentum of Arsenal’s defensive line gradually built up, and Kyle Walker along with Sagna began aggressively tackling, leaving Manchester City players constantly frustrated.

Football is such a sport; when a rock-solid presence appears in the team, it brings not only specialized skills but a great deal of spiritual and psychological influence.